Yakitori Kohane: Theatrical Amagi Shamo Omakase

Yakitori Kohane elevates grilled chicken to a theatrical event. Located in Hamamatsu, this intimate counter is dedicated to Amagi shamo, a rare and flavourful breed of chicken prepared using the ikejime technique for unparalleled texture. The chef's omakase course is a multi-act performance, showcasing meticulous fire control and often presenting cuts from male and female birds side-by-side for comparison.

Guests consistently praise the precision of the grilling, which yields perfectly crisp skin and succulent meat. Standout dishes include the signature liver pâté, a complex tsukune (meatball) with eshallot and salt-kombu, and various rare parts like solilles. The meal is punctuated by inventive non-skewer plates such as tea-steeped broths and chawanmushi, before a choice of a rice or ramen dish to finish. The experience concludes with desserts like baked financiers, which reviewers note are on par with a high-end patisserie. A complimentary take-home bento is a final, generous touch.

While overwhelmingly positive, a few reviews mention a flambéed oil finish on some skewers can be slightly acrid, and a small minority find the price high. The main frustration for visitors is access: the restaurant is hard to find and notoriously difficult to book.

Reviewers in 2024–2025 report the omakase course costs around ¥16,500–¥17,000, with final bills including drinks often reaching ¥19,000–¥25,000. One diner reported a total of ¥17,600, while another's bill came to ¥26,600 with wine. Most agree the quality, variety, and unique counter experience offer excellent value for a special occasion.

• Booking: Reservations are mandatory and extremely difficult to secure, often requiring booking months in advance via the OMAKASE website.
• Arrival: The single seating starts promptly at 18:00. Punctuality is essential; reservations may be cancelled if you are more than 15 minutes late.
• Location: A 10-minute walk from JR Hamamatsu Station. The restaurant is tucked away in a narrow alley and can be hard to spot.
• Seating: There are 10 seats at the counter only.
• Menu: A fixed omakase course is the only option.
• Age Restriction: Only junior high school students and older are permitted, and they must be able to eat the full adult course.
• Payment: Credit cards (Visa, Master, JCB, Amex, Diners) and PayPay are accepted. Electronic money is not.
• Dress Code: Please refrain from wearing strong perfumes or colognes.
• Language: Service is primarily in Japanese, but staff have some English and are welcoming to international guests.